Virginia residents can now add their driver’s licenses and state IDs to Apple Wallet on iPhone and Apple Watch, following the official launch of the feature on August 26, 2026.
The rollout makes Virginia the 15th state to support digital IDs in Apple Wallet, joining Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Ohio, and West Virginia. The feature is also available in Puerto Rico.
Apple first announced the capability at WWDC in 2021, with gradual expansion as individual states implement the necessary infrastructure and security standards. Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles had previously indicated plans to support Apple Wallet integration, and the feature went live after earlier signs of preparation earlier in the year.
How to Add Your Virginia ID
Eligible residents with a valid Virginia driver’s license or state ID can set it up quickly:
- Open the Wallet app on iPhone.
2.Tap the plus (+) icon in the upper-right corner. - Select “Driver’s License and ID Cards.”
- Choose Virginia and follow the on-screen prompts to scan the front and back of the physical card and complete identity verification (typically involving a face scan or similar biometric check).
Once added, the digital ID can also be available on a paired Apple Watch. The credential is designed as a secure companion to the physical card rather than a full replacement in all situations.
Where It Can Be Used
Users can present the digital ID contactlessly by holding their iPhone or Apple Watch near a compatible reader. The device shows what information is being requested, and the holder authorizes release with Face ID or Touch ID. Only the necessary details are shared.
Accepted locations currently include TSA checkpoints at more than 250 U.S. airports for domestic travel, along with select businesses, venues, and apps. Acceptance remains limited overall, and users are generally advised to continue carrying their physical license or ID, particularly for law enforcement interactions or when driving.
Virginia already offered its own Mobile ID app through the DMV, which provides a digital version of state-issued credentials. Integration with Apple Wallet expands convenient options for iPhone users while the state continues working toward broader digital wallet support.
Additional states, including Kentucky, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Utah, Connecticut, and Mississippi, are in various stages of preparing or committing to the feature. For residents in unsupported states, Apple also offers a Digital ID option based on a U.S. passport in some cases.
The expansion reflects ongoing efforts to make everyday identification more convenient and secure through mobile devices, though full nationwide availability and universal acceptance will take further time and coordination between Apple, state agencies, and accepting organizations.
MacDailyNews Take: Congrats, Virginia (and, yes, there is a Santa Claus)!
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